End of an era for Seven West Media as Southern Cross merger completes and execs exit

The merger between Australia’s Seven West Media (SWM) and the Southern Cross Media Group officially completes today, with a string of exec changes as a result.

Jeff Howard

Under the AU$385 million (US$259m) merger,SWM has ceased trading on the Australian Stock Exchange and the new merged Southern Cross shares will commence trading on January 8.

The new entity has yet to rebrand but will be lead by SWM’s Jeff Howard who takes on the role of managing director and CEO, effective today.  Also taking effect today, John Kelly has stepped down from the Southern Cross Board as CEO and MD and will become the Southern Cross group MD for the audio division.

Seven CFO Craig Haskins advised the board of his intention to retire after a period of transition during the current quarter. As the search for his replacement takes place, Southern Cross CFO Toby Potter will remain in his role on an interim basis.

“Seven West Media’s platform leadership and content powerhouse status is unmatched. Together, our combined opportunity is extraordinary. We can unlock the opportunity to extend our exceptional storytelling capabilities into new audiences, leveraging each of our core capabilities to empower the whole,” Howard said in an internal email to staff today heralding the pivotal merger.

As previously announced Kerry Stokes, will assume the role of chair of the board until stepping down at the end of February 2026 and transitioning the role to Heith Mackay-Cruise. SWM board member Michael Malone will also step down as a director at the end of February.

The new look Southern Cross board comprises directors Kerry Stokes (Interim chair), Ryan Stokes, Michael Malone, Teresa Dyson and Jeff Howard in addition to Southern Cross non-executive directors Heith Mackay-Cruise, Marina Go and Ido Leffler.